Dispensing adapter



Oct. 13, 1964 B. J. PRUSSACK 3,152,731

DISPENSING ADAPTER Filed Dec. 15, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

38 BENJAMIN J. PRUSSACK, M

ATTORNEY v Oct. 13, 1964 a J. PRUSSACK 3,152,731

DISPENSING ADAPTER Filed Dec. 15, 1961 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.BENJAMIN 'J. PRUSSACK, v

JWAZ ATTORNEY .in for a fluent additive product.

United States Patent 3,152,731 DISPENSING ADAPTER Benjamin J. Prussack,Brooklyn, N.Y., assignor to The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati,Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Dec. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 159,658 9Claims. (Cl. 222145) This invention pertains to an adapter fordispensing a fluent additive product simultaneously with a fluent baseproduct being dispensed from a conventional container such as acollapsible tube. More particularly, the invention provides a novelarticle for safely storing an additive product separately from a relatedbase product in order to avoid combining the two products until they areto be used.

So called bicameral collapsible tubes and other devices have beenproposed for simultaneously dispensing different products from separatestorage chambers in a single container. Such tubes and devices as havebeen developed have certain disadvantages which are overcome by thepresent invention. In the prior devices, a special collapsible tubeconstruction is necessary to dispense the products simultaneously. Thisresults in a structure which is costly and expensive. It also requiresspecial filling and assembly equipment in order to fill the container orcontainers properly at production rates necessary to produce a packagewhich can be sold in the commercial market-place. Furthermore, priordevices cannot be operated to selectively dispense only one prodnot astheir structures are such that both products are necessarily dispensedwhen the container is squeezed or otherwise manipulated.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a dispensingadapter for attachment to a conventional collapsible tube or the like.The adapter can be attached as necessary or desired so that the contentsof the tube and the dispensing adapter are simultaneously extruded. Thisstructure permits independent extrusion of the product in thecollapsible tube simply by removing the adapter. When the product in thedispensing adapter is to be extruded with the product in the collapsibletube, the dispensing adapter is attached to the tube so that the twoproducts can be dispensed together. This permits dispensing of productswhich are incompatible when stored together. It also allows the additionof flavoring, enriching, or coloring materials to a paste-like productjust prior to consumption so that the added qualities stored in theadapter will not be deteriorated as might happen if stored in contactwith the product in the tube. It is also possible to dispense suchcombinations as peanut butter and jelly which are stored in the separatecontainers as Well as other food and cosmetic products which arepreferably stored independently of one another.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a detachableadapter device for storing an additive product including means toprevent drying out of the additiveproduct when so stored. The means forthe prevention of drying the additive product are designed to beinexpensive so that they can be disposed of after the dispenser isplaced in operation. This may include a conventional closure cap as usedon collapsible tubes or like structural elements which are easilyremoved to permit operation of the adapter.

, Still a further object of the invention is the provision of 'adetachable adapter member having its contents sealed off at one end by agate or other movable seal member so that it can be opened before,during or after attachment to a conventional collapsible tube.

The invention briefly summarized is composed of an adapter member havinga hollow storage chamber there- The lower end of the adapter is providedwith threads which can engage the threaded end of a conventionalcollapsible tube or its equivalent. The other end of the adapter has adischarge opening which can be closed when not in use by a conventionalclosure cap or other means. One or more small passageways lead from thestorage chamber to the discharge opening. The lower end of the storagechamber is initially sealed off by a movable or removable seal memberwhich can be unseated or removed when the adapter is first attached tothe tube or it can be moved by the extrusion pressure of the fluent baseproduct when it is dispensed. The adapter may remain mounted on the tubeduring intermittent use or it can be removed if the fluent contents ofthe tube are later to be dispensed independently.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as forming thepresent invention, it is believed the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary elevation of the dispensing adapter attachedto a conventional collapsible tube having a cap screwed to its outerend.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-section in elevation of one form of the dispensingadapter taken along the line Z2 of FIGURES 1 and 3.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-section taken through the dispenser along the line3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the movable seal member used in theembodiment of FIGURES 13.

FIGURE 5 is a view of the seal member in section taken on the line 55 ofFIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 66 of FIGURE 2showing the configuration of the passageway leading from the storagechamber to the discharge opening.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary elevation in section of one modification ofthe dispenser.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary elevation in section of another modificationof the invention.

FIGURE 9 illustrates still another modification in section.

FIGURE 10 is an elevation in cross-section showing a removable plug sealthat can be employed with the dispensing adapter.

FIGURE 11 is a cross-section taken on the line 1111 of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is an elevation in section showing the dispensing adapter withindependent removable seals on both ends.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary plan view of the endpiece of a modifieddispensing adapter having removable punch-outs to seal in the additivematerial.

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary elevation in section taken on the line 14-44of FIGURE 13.

Referring now to the drawings, the upper portion of a conventionalcollapsible tube 20 is illustrated in FIG- URE 1. The dispensing adapter21 is shown attached to the threaded neck of the tube 20 and aconventional closure cap 22 is shown attached to the adapter 21. Thisillustrates the relative location of the adapter when ready for use tosimultaneously dispense the base product from the tube 20 and theadditive product from the dispenser 21. Ordinarily, the dispenseradapter 21 would be separated from the tube 20 when shipped. In this waythe base product in the tube 20 cannot come in contact with the additiveproduct in the adapter 21 under any circumstances. Additionally thisallows dispensing the base product from the tube 2.0 alone if desired.On the other hand, it is possible to attach the adapter 21 if thecontents of the adapter are to be extruded simultaneous- 1y with thecontents of the tube 20. If the adapter and tube are to be attached whenstored, the cap 22 may be screwed in place as shown. This preventsdrying out or contamination of the contents of either the tube oradapter.

Various forms of the dispensing adapter 21 will now be described and itwill be appreciated that any of these forms Will operate satisfactorilyalthough certain forms may be preferred over others under certainconditions. The principle employed for each embodiment is substantiallythe same. The adapter illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3 (as well as thebasic structure of the adapters shown in FIGURES 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14)is composed of an outer body in the form of an outer wall 23 and acentral guide tube in the form of an inner wall 24. The walls 23 and 24enclose an annular storage chamber 25 for storing the additive productor products. The upper end of the adapter terminates in a threadedportion 26 surrounding a discharge opening 27. The threaded portion 26preferably has the same thread as can be used on a conventionalcollapsible tube. This permits the cap 22 to be removed from the tube 20and screwed on the outer end of the adapter after it has been attachedto the tube.

The lower end of the adapter has an end-piece 23 secured thereto as byheat fusion or adhesion at the surfaces 29 and 29a. The end-piece 28partially closes the lower portion of the storage chamber 25. Theremaining exposed portion is in the form of an annular area which isclosed off by a rigid and movable seal member 30 the details of whichare illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5. The seal member 3% initially restson the surface 31. In the embodiment of FIGURES 2 and 3, dividing walls32 and 33 are used so that the annular chamber 25 is divided into twoisolated compartments 34 and 35. This permits extrusion of two distinctadditive products which are isolated from one another when stored in thechambers 34 and 35. For example, flavor and color additives can bedispensed from the separate compartments; or separate color additivescan be dispensed to extrude a multi-colored product.

The seal member 30 is provided with oppositely disposed U-shapedextensions 36 which have slots 37 (FIG- URE to prevent interference fromthe dividing Walls 32 and 33. The products in the compartments 34 and 35can be dispensed through the passageways 38 which are tapered in crosssection (as Seen in FIGURE 6) and lead to the central discharge opening27 In operation, the annular chamber 25 (composed of compartments 34 and35) is filled with a fluent additive product or products. The end-piece28 and the movable seal 30 are then assembled into their properrelationship as shown in FIGURE 2. A conventional closure cap can beused to seal the outer end of the adapter. When the adapter is to beused, it is first screwed on the end of a collapsible tube. This willcause the U-shaped extensions 36 to strike the threaded nozzle of thecollapsible tube causing the seal member 30 to move upwardly to aposition as shown in phantom outline in FIGURE 2. Thus when the tube isfirst squeezed, the fluent base product in the tube will flow throughthe inner wall 24 and out the discharge opening 27. Simultaneously, theextrusion pressure will force the fluent additive product in the chamber25 through the passageways 38 Where it will combine with the productissuing from the discharge opening 27. The additive product so dispensedmay be in the form of a color variation to produce a decorativemulti-color effect or it may be a product which is incompatible with thebase product when stored together or one that is preferably storedseparately (peanut butter and jelly) until the two products are to beused. Thus, it is possible to add coloring, enriching, or flavoringmaterials to the base product. It is also possible to dispense productshaving different characteristics (peanut butter and jelly) to obtain aproduct which is commonly used in combination although rarely storedthat way.

A variation of the device is shown in FIGURE 7. In this embodiment, themovable seal member 39 is also rigid and is symmetrical throughout. Inaddition, there are no dividing walls in the annular chamber 25 so thatonly a single additive product is dispensed. The operation of the FIGURE7 device is quite similar although the seal member 39 is not positivelyunseated merely by attachment to the collapsible tube 20. Instead, themovable seal member 39 is moved upwardly (to the phantom position shown)by the force exerted thereon by the base product as it is extruded fromthe tube. This force is also transmitted to the additive product in theannular chamber 25 causing it to flow out through the passageways 38where it unites with the base product in the discharge opening 27.

Another modification is shown in FIGURE 8. In this embodiment, themovable seal member 40 is in the form of a flexible annular member whichmoves upwardly in response to the extrusion pressure created by the baseproduct as in the previously described embodiment. FIGURE 8 alsoillustrates the provision of a skirt 41 which can be attached to theend-piece 28 if desired in order to obtain a more pleasing streamlineappearance for the adapter by eliminating the large gap between theshoulder of the tube and the bottom of the adapter.

Still another modification is shown in FIGURE 9. In this embodiment, themovable seal member 42 surrounds a necked down portion 43 of the innerwall 24. Extensions 45 are provided on the seal member 42. The operationof this embodiment is quite similar to that of the embodiment of FIGURES2-5. The extensions 45 strike the threaded end of the collapsible tube.This moves the seal member 42 upwardly to the position shown in phantomlines. Once again the additive material is extruded through thepassageways 38 as a result of the pressure from the base product whenthe collapsible tube is squeezed.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a variation in the means for sealing off thepassageways 38 and the storage chamber 25 when the adapter is beingshipped or stored. The seal member 46 includes an integral upper sealingplug 47 which closes the discharge opening 27 and the passageways 38. Alower sealing plug 48 seals off the lower portion of the annular chamber25. The plugs 47 and 48 are interconnected by a central member 49. Aprojecting end portion 50 is also provided. The plug members 47 and 48are formed from rubber or other compressible and resilient materials.When the adapter is to be used, the projecting end 50. is pulled,thereby pulling the plug 47 through the opening provided by the innerwall 24. After the seal member has been removed the adapter can beattached and used in the manner heretofore described.

FIGURES 10 and 11 also illustrate another modified structure. Dividingwalls 51, 52, 53 and 54 are provided to divide the annular chamber 25into four separate compartments so that four separate additive productscan be discharged with the base product if desired. It is also possible,of course, to put the same additive product in each compartment or intwo or three of the compartments as will be appreciated by those skilledin the art.

Another variant is illustrated in FIGURE 12. The dispensing adapter 21has a stationary upper seal 55 frictionally engaged in the opening 27. Astationary lower seal 56 is frictionally engaged in the bore 57 to sealoff the lower portion of the annuar chamber 25.

In using this embodiment, the plugs 55 and 56 are removed, whereupon theadapter is ready for use in the manner heretofore described.

FIGURES 13 and 14 illustrate another variation in which the end-piece 58is provided with a plurality of radial support fingers 59. A rupturableseal member 60 is provided with perforations 61 which outline punchouts62 between the support fingers 59. An inner ring 63 and an outer ring 64are secured to the diaphragm 60 prior to assembly in order to hold it inproper position until it has been attached to the adapter body. Theconsumer merely punches out the several areas 62 when the adapter is tobe used. This permits the base material in the tube to flow into theannular chamber 25 and force out the additive product all as describedabove in connection with several other embodiments.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variouschanges and modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention and it is intended to cover in the appendedclaims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope ofthis invention.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A dispensing adapter comprising a dispenser body having outer andinner walls forming an annular storage chamber, at least one fluentadditive product stored in said storage chamber, the said inner wallterminating in a discharge opening at its upper end, at least onepassageway leading from the said storage chamber to the dischargeopening, said dispenser body having threads on the outer wall portionsurrounding the discharge opening, an end-piece attached to thedispenser body at its lower end and having an internal thread to receivethe threaded end of a collapsible tube, means for sealing the annularstorage chamber to prevent contamination and drying out of the additiveproduct prior to using the adapter, and means for sealing the dischargeopening to protect the additive product in said adapter both before andafter it is used.

2. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means forsealing the annular storage chamber is a movable annular seal member.

3. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 2 including a downwardlyprojecting extension on said movable annular seal member, said extensionbeing within said internal thread on said end-piece so that theextension is contacted to move and unseat the said movable annular sealmember when the adapter is attached to the threaded neck of acollapsible tube or like container.

4. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closure meansfor the discharge opening comprises a removable upper sealing plug andthe means sealing the annular storage chamber comprises a removablelower sealing plug.

5. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said end-pieceincludes a plurality of radially disposed support fingers and said meansfor sealing the annular storage chamber includes a rupturable sealmember having punchout areas interposed between said fingers.

6. A dispensing adapter comprising a dispenser body having outer andinner walls forming an annular storage chamber for an additive product,said inner wall terminating in a discharge opening at its upper end, atleast one passageway from said storage chamber to the discharge opening,a thread at one end of said dispenser body for receiving a closure cap,an end-piece attached to the dispenser body at the other end having aninternal thread to receive the threaded neck of a collapsible tube, amovable seal member having a central opening surrounding the inner wall,said movable seal member providing a closure for the lower end of theannular storage chamber and means for moving the said seal member whenthe adapter is attached to a collapsible tube so that the base productas extruded from the tube passes through the said discharge opening inthe adapter and an additive product is simultaneously extruded throughthe passageway leading to the discharge opening as a result of theextrusion pressure of the base product acting on the additive product inthe storage chamber.

7. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 6 including at last onedividing wall in said annular storage chamber to permit isolated storageof at least two additive products and simultaneous extrusion of samewith said base product.

8. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 6 in which the pasasgewaysleading to the discharge opening are tapered.

9. A dispensing adapter for discharging an additive product incombination with a base product dispensed from a conventional containercomprising a storage chamber defined by inner and outer annular walls,said inner wall terminating in a discharge opening, at least onepassageway leading from said storage chamber to said discharge opening,a movable seal spaced inwardly of said discharge opening to close thebottom of said storage chamber, an extension member projectingdownwardly from said movable seal, means for attaching said adapter to aconventional threaded container, said extension member being contactedby the end of the threaded container and being moved when the adapter isattached to said threaded container thereby moving said seal out ofsealing relationship at the bottom of said storage chamber whereby thecontents of the container have access to the storage chamber to extrudethe contents thereof through said passageway when the product in thecontainer is extruded through the discharge opening by the applicationof extrusion pressure to said container.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,531,641 Perrigo Nov. 28, 1950 3,031,104 Moskovitz Apr. 24, 19623,042,263 Gallo July 3, 1962

1. A DISPENSING ADAPTER COMPRISING A DISPENSER BODY HAVING OUTER ANDINNER WALLS FORMING AN ANNULAR STORAGE CHAMBER, AT LEAST ONE FLUENTADDITIVE PRODUCT STORED IN SAID STORAGE CHAMBER, THE SAID INNER WALLTERMINATING IN A DISCHARGE OPENING AT ITS UPPER END, AT LEAST ONEPASSAGEWAY LEADING FROM THE SAID STORAGE CHAMBER TO THE DISCHARGEOPENING, SAID DISPENSER BODY HAVING THREADS ON THE OUTER WALL PORTIONSURROUNDING THE DISCHARGE OPENING, AN END-PIECE ATTACHED TO THEDISPENSER BODY AT ITS LOWER END OF A COLLAPSIBLE TUBE, MEANS FOR SEALINGTHE ANNULAR STORAGE CHAMBER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND DRYING OUT OFTHE ADDITIVE PRODUCT PRIOR TO USING THE ADAPTER, AND MEANS FOR SEALINGTHE DISCHARGE OPENING TO PROJECT THE ADDITIVE PRODUCT IN SAID ADAPTERBOTH BEFORE AND AFTER IT IS USED.